texas safari ranch live cam

Roadside Zoo News

• Sep 12, 2021

Texas Safari Ranch violates federal law; join us in reporting them

Texas Safari Ranch, Clifton, TX, is operating without a license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in violation of federal law.

The facility is owned by Jack Harvard who breeds exotic hoof stock, some of which is sold to game ranches to be used for canned hunts. About a year ago, Harvard acquired giraffes, admittedly with no prior giraffe owning experience.

Instead of operating a public safari or roadside zoo, Harvard operates his business as a vacation rental and event venue. Guests rent a home or event center on the property which then gives them access to feeding and interacting with the animals.

“Guests who book a stay at one of our houses and/or an event in Western Town have access to our 8+ miles of paved roads where you can observe and interact with all of our wildlife,” according to the Texas Safari Ranch Facebook page.

Harvard has never confirmed whether there is routine veterinary care available for the animals at the ranch. Followers who watched the 24-hour livestream of a giraffe named Annabelle said that at no time before or during her pregnancy, or after she gave birth, was a veterinarian brought in to assess Annabelle's health or the health of her calf, named Betty.

At only two months old, Texas Safari Ranch has begun separating Betty from Annabelle for up to five hours a day in order to rebreed Annabelle.

Several individuals have contacted Roadside Zoo News to express concerns over the lack of veterinary care at the facility. If Texas Safari Ranch was licensed by the USDA, they would be required to provide routine veterinary care to the animals as part of the federal Animal Welfare Act.

Texas exotic ranches appear to operate their facilities in a regulatory gray area, slipping under the radar without a federal license while apparently conducting regulated activities.

A spokesperson for the USDA said that “activities conducted at Texas exotic ranches are not governed by Animal Care under the Animal Welfare Act or Horse Protection Act.”

The spokesperson also confirmed Animal Care does regulate animals exhibited to the public, which Texas Safari Ranch is clearly doing by charging people to rent a cabin in order to gain access to the animals.

“Feel free to also check out our merchandise, too, and note that 100% of the proceeds from merchandise, bookings, events, etc … goes back into TSR in order to take care of our wildlife,” according to their Facebook page.

Texas Safari Ranch has been reported to the USDA for operating without a license but the agency has failed to take action. Please email the USDA at [email protected] and ask them to cite Texas Safari Ranch for conducting regulated activities without a USDA license.

Thank you for being a voice for the animals.

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The Oldest Exotic Wildlife Park in Texas

Texas Safari is home to both endangered species and species that are extinct in the wild. Our goal is to help to ensure these species recover and will be around for future generations. We have many Pere David deer from China that are extinct in the wild but exist at facilities like ours due to world-class breeding programs. The Dama Gazelle, Scimitar Oryx, Lechwe, and the Grevy's Zebra are on the endangered list.

By staying at Texas Safari, not only will you be able to see and get within a few feet of these exotic species, but you will be helping us maintain the care of our animals and our breeding programs to help these rare populations continue to grow and thrive.

We use 100% of our cabin rental fees for the feeding and care of the animals.

JUST SOME OF THE SPECIES AT TEXAS SAFARI:

•  Pere David Deer – extinct in the wild (China)

•  Scimitar Oryx – extinct in the wild (Northern Africa)

•  Grevy Zebra – endangered (Northern Kenya)

•  Dama Gazelle - endangered -(Southern Africa)

•  Addax - endangered -(Southern Africa)

•  Lechwe - endangered (Southern Africa)

•  Sable -(Southern Africa)

•  Nyala -(Southern Africa)

•  Eland -(Southern Africa)

•  Springbok -(Southern Africa)

•  Impala -(Southern Africa)

•  Blackbuck - (India)

•  Fallow - (Asia)

•  Axis Deer - (India)

•  Nubian Ibex – pure bred (Middle East)

•  Blue Wildebeest or Grey Bearded Wildebeest (Africa)

•  Aoudad or Barbary Sheep (North Africa)

•  Blesbok -(Southern Africa)

•  Grant's Gazelle - (Southern Africa)

•  Waterbuck Antelope -(Southern Africa)

•  Nilgai (India)

•  Gemsbok (Southern Africa)

•  European Mouflon – pure bred (Europe)

•  Dromedary Camel - (Middle East and Africa)

•  Canadian Geese - (North America)

•  Longhorn  Cattle  - (Texas)

•  Prairie Dogs - (Central U.S.)

•  Red Deer - (Europe and New Zealand)

•  Bison — including a rare white buffalo (North America)

.......and of course, Marsha the Camel!!!

A minimum two-night stay is required.  Our booking system will not accept single-night reservations and will show dates of less than two consecutive nights as "unavailable".

Animal Snapshots

For More Info:

Texas Safari

192 PRIVATE ROAD 4293 • CLIFTON TX 76634

Copyright © 2023 Texas Safari.  All rights reserved.

Web Design by Virtualthis Multimedia

Giraffe VIP Experience

Enjoy a safari tour and a close encounter with our giraffes.

At Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, we specialize in providing up-close-and-personal safari experiences. Our Safari Adventure Tour takes this opportunity to a whole new level by starting with an intimate encounter with our marvelous giraffes! You will have the chance to get up close and feed these majestic animals.

In addition to the Giraffe Experience, your tour guide will lead you on an enhanced Safari Trek, offering an up-close and personal guided adventure with animals from around the world.

This 120-minute tour gets you close to over 40 species on our 500-acre safari ranch. The experience includes food for the animals and a face-to-face encounter with our giraffes! 

Giraffe Experience Pricing: $229.99 per party

Drive-Thru+ admission is not included, but required to be purchased for admission. Includes one-time admission to Aviary Experience and Prehistoric Experience. Maximum 8 guests per tour. 

YOUR GIRAFFE VIP EXPERIENCE INCLUDES THESE EXCURSIONS!

Aviary Experience

The only thing better than seeing our birds is feeding them! Come inside with food on popsicle sticks that dozens of budgies look forward to enjoying. NOTE: Guests must be 3 years or older to enter the exhibit.

Excursion Pricing: Included with Giraffe VIP Experience

Prehistoric Experience

Walk amongst dozens of dinosaurs that move, breathe, and can't wait for you to maybe get a little too close. This excursion is sure to be memorable and filled with plenty of oohs, ahs, and a yikes or two. 

Excursion Pricing:

Included with Giraffe VIP Experience

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Attributes highlighted by couples.

On WeddingWire since 2011

Safari Texas Ranch is a unique ballroom venue located in Richmond, Texas located 5 minutes from Sugar Land. Set on a private 44 acre estate of breathtaking rolling greens, you and your guests will be in awe of the natural countryside beauty that shines throughout this venue. With several exceptional spaces to choose from, you are sure to find something that suits your specific tastes. Whether your style is classic and traditional or country chic, you have the opportunity to bring your wedding day visions to life. Work with their expert professionals to create your happily ever after in a stunning ballroom that is perfectly tailored to your needs.

Facilities and Capacity

Safari Texas Ranch hosts eight exceptional ballrooms that are spacious enough to accommodate between 50 and 1,000 guests. This full service venue aims to work with you to customize your special day down to every last detail. Each room has its own unique atmosphere and each one is more extravagant than the next. Featuring one of a kind light fixtures, spacious floors, and captivating designs, every space is one-of-a-kind, making Safari Texas Ranch the perfect backdrop for your big day.

Services Offered

The Safari Texas Ranch Team is eager to assist you in bringing your dream day visions to life. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, their expertise is unmatched. Your ideas paired with their professional guidance will take all of the stress out of your big day to ensure all of your needs are met and your day is spent making unforgettable memories with those you love. The following services are offered for the ultimate wedding day experience:

• Setup and clean up
• Tables and chairs
• Custom china, flatware, and linens
• Event rentals
• In-house bar and catering service

The culinary staff from Safari Texas is dedicated to providing you with an exceptional dining experience. Whether you prefer a sit down dinner or buffet style service, you will be provided with a menu that is perfectly tailored to your preference, taste, and theme. From your first hors d’oeuvre to your very last bite of the night, the creative genius of Safari Texas will make your culinary experience one to remember.

Frequently asked questions

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• Quality of service 4.5 out of 5 rating 4.5
• Average response time 4.5 out of 5 rating 4.5
• Professionalism 4.6 out of 5 rating 4.6
• Value 4.6 out of 5 rating 4.6
• Flexibility 4.6 out of 5 rating 4.6

Review summary

Safari Texas Ranch receives highly positive reviews from multiple customers for their wedding venues and services. Reviewers commend the coordinators, such as Beth, Cassidy, Alli, and Alyssa, for their responsiveness, helpfulness, and professionalism throughout the planning process. The staff is praised for their exceptional service, including providing regular updates on food and drinks during events. The venue itself is described as beautiful, with customizable options and various ballrooms to suit different preferences. The food is highly complimented for its quality and deliciousness, and the affordable prices and accommodating nature of the team receive positive feedback. Overall,

Amazing experience

Amazing Wedding!

Absolutely Amazing!!

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Safari Texas Ranch